The Circuito da Boavista came alive with the smell of race fuel and burning oil as a series of historic racing cars sped around the streets, down Circunvalacao, along the beach and up Avenida da Boavista before winding around the top of the Parque da Cidade. The three day event saw many roads closed for this fourth celebration of the history of the race circuit.

Some might say these streets are like a race circuit every day, considering how “speed limit” to Portuguese drivers seems to mean “see how fast your car goes”.

Racing started on this street circuit in the 30s, with a Portuguese motor racing league that expanded, in the early 50s, to an international grand prix. This modern event was started in 2005 by a group of enthusiasts who persuaded the city council to get behind it. Now, every two years (2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011) the circuit around the park becomes Porto‘s equivalent of Monte Carlo. Although there’s no casinos and no Hollywood A-listers being chased by paps. There is a Sea Life though.

Next weekend will see the World Touring Car Championship celebrate the Portugal leg of its season. The next time these roads become the Circuito da Boavista after that is likely to be June 2013.